Nuclear Non-proliferation — Prelims Strategy

Prelims Strategy

Focus on memorizing key dates, treaty provisions, and organizational details: NPT entry force (1970), CTBT opening (1996), NSG establishment (1975), India's nuclear tests (1974, 1998), and IAEA establishment (1957).

Master the distinction between different types of safeguards agreements and export control regimes' membership criteria. Practice elimination techniques by understanding common traps: confusing NPT membership with NSG membership, mixing up treaty ratification requirements, and incorrectly attributing positions to different countries.

Create memory aids for Annex 2 countries and their ratification status. Pay special attention to India-specific facts: nuclear doctrine principles, safeguards agreements, and positions on various treaties.

Current affairs integration is crucial - track developments in Iran, North Korea, and nuclear cooperation agreements. Use comparative analysis to distinguish between horizontal and vertical proliferation, nuclear security versus safety, and different verification mechanisms.

Also build Paper II skills

Dense constitutional and IR passages mirror CSAT-style comprehension and argument evaluation—build those skills in parallel. CSAT hub.

• Valid & invalid arguments
• Syllogisms
• Critical reasoning